Anna Maria Chávez was appointed chief executive officer of Girl Scouts of USA (GSUSA) on August 24, 2011. A Girl Scout alumna and lifetime member, Mrs. Chávez had previously served as chief executive officer of the Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas, where she led the council through a period of unprecedented growth and emerged a powerful advocate for issues important to girls.

Previous to joining the Girl Scout organization, Mrs. Chávez had an extensive background in public service. She served as deputy chief of staff for urban relations and community development for former Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano, the current U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security. As deputy chief of staff, Chávez oversaw military and veteran affairs, faith-based and community initiatives, human services, child protective services, as well as housing and intergovernmental affairs. Chávez is a licensed attorney and practiced law in Washington, D.C., before serving in Napolitano’s administration.

Lauded for her work in military affairs, Ms. Chávez is a recipient of The Adjutant General’s Medal and the Diversity Champion Leadership Award presented by the Arizona National Guard. She was also honored with the Exemplary Leadership Award by Valle del Sol in 2008 and was named Woman of the Year at the Latina Excellence Awards in 2007. Mrs. Chávez is also an inductee into the San Antonio Women’s Hall of Fame.

Mrs. Chávez holds a law degree from the University of Arizona College of Law and a bachelor’s degree in American history from Yale University.